Damira, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up as a homeless youth in Dekalb County, Georgia. There were so many people that inspired me during that time in my life that I knew I must continue to be an inspiration to the youth coming up after me. When I looked around, I realized that there was a disconnect between the tax dollars that were being collected within the community and the services being provided to the local citizens. Not only was there a disconnect in services, but there was also a lack of female representation in the policy-making arena. This sparked my passion for both local budgeting and policy and was the beginning foundation for Visionaries to The Throne Inc.
Since this organization is operated as a 501c3 nonprofit, funding is established through majority donations, sponsors, and grants. Before it was granted 501c3 status, I decided to take advantage of my party planning, décor, and gift making skills to help fund the organization. This was the start of Cookies Concepts LLC. Since then, I have been able to operate both businesses at a capacity that allows me to give back to my community and provide quality events/gifts.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to both has definitely been a rough one. When starting a non-profit, you face a lot of red tapes. It is not only difficult to execute initiatives, but it is also difficult to legitimize the organization. It is important that the organization gets its 501c3 status so that it can begin to maximize its funding efforts. Usually, most organizations reach out to an entity to get assistance with startup nonprofits, but I spent a lot of time researching and completing all processes on my own. While going through the necessary steps to complete this process, the events and gift making did not stop. I was also a full-time Master’s student and am currently in a doctoral program.
Please tell us about Visionaries to The Throne and Cookies Concepts.
Visionaries to The Throne Inc is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Dekalb County, Georgia. The organization spends time teaching grade school girls about local policy and budgeting through academia, sisterhood, community service, and mentorship. The organization is known for its mentorship and community service capacity. This organization is unique in the fact that there is no other organization in the community tailored to teaching specifically girls this skill. We are teaching them how to understand and dissect policy in a way that they can articulate it to both their peers, local officials, and their family members.
I am most proud of the fact that the girls are able to dissect problems with the policies in their local communities and connect them to the execution of service projects. Having this organization has really changed my life. While I’m inspiring the girl, they are also inspiring me to continue pushing for change. Cookies Concepts LLC is a full event planning, décor, and gift needs business. I specialize in curating unique events, balloon styling, and gift ideas. Every client’s party and gift is tailored to their specific needs and no event is ever duplicated exactly the same way. I am most proud of the fact that despite running a full-time nonprofit and being a student full-time, I have managed to curate events and gifts that leave my clients in awe.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice would be to find someone who is operating in a capacity that aligns with how you see yourself and/or your business. I think a lot of people feel mentors are supposed to be this well-established person, but you would be surprised at who may inspire and motivate you if you take a look around.
Contact Info:
- Email: visionariesttt19@gmail.com / Cookiesconcepts19@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vttt.inc/ and https://www.instagram.com/cookiesconcepts_/
Image Credits
Darika Harris Studios
